Ward E. Benner, 90, of Rochester died March 27, 2002 at the Atrium Nursing Center after a long illness.
He was the husband of Evelyn F. (Foisy) Benner, former husband of the late Margaret (Kirby) Benner, and son of the late Percy and Christie (Boynton) Benner.
Mr. Benner was born in Liberty, Maine, and had lived in Marion and Rochester for most of his life.
He was the owner and operator of the former Rochester General Store for over 40 years until his retirement.
Mr. Benner was a former member of the Rochester Volunteer Fire Department, and enjoyed farming, the outdoor life and bowling.
Survivors include his wife; 2 sons, Ward A. Benner and Arthur F. Benner, both of Rochester; a stepdaughter, Patricia Lewis of Fairhaven; 6 grandchildren, Warren Benner and his wife Patricia, Kathy O'Brien and her husband Chris, and Elizabeth Cronin and her husband Kevin, all of Rochester, John Benner and his wife Traci, of Billings, Montana, Susan Murphy and her husband Jim, of Westport, and Cheryll Benner of Florida; 4 step-grandchildren, Maurice Lewis and his wife Maria, of Tivoli, NY; Paula Barry and her husband Timothy, and Maureen Mandeville, all of Fairhaven, and Robert Leddy of Rhode Island; 10 great-grandchildren; many step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the stepfather of the late Edward Leddy and James Leddy, and brother of the late Thelma Sequeira.
His Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2002, at 12 Noon in Center Cemetery, Rochester.
Visiting hours are omitted.